Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken are a young but rapidly rising NHL franchise based in Seattle, Washington, playing their home games at Climate Pledge Arena. Established as the 32nd NHL team in 2018 and debuting in the 2021-22 season, the Kraken swiftly made history by becoming the first expansion team to win a playoff series, upsetting the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in 2023. Their identity draws from the mythical sea monster of Scandinavian lore and the giant Pacific octopus native to Puget Sound, symbolizing strength and regional pride.

Since their inaugural season, the Kraken have evolved from a last-place Pacific Division finish in 2021-22 to a competitive 100-point season in 2022-23, driven by key acquisitions like Oliver Bjorkstrand and Andre Burakovsky, and the emergence of rookie sensation Matty Beniers, who earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Their playing style is balanced with depth across four offensive lines and a resilient defensive core, under the guidance of experienced management including GM Ron Francis. The team has built a passionate fan base, underscored by retiring the number 32 to honor their place as the league’s 32nd franchise and their initial ticket depositors.

In the current offseason context of August 2025, the Kraken are maintaining a competitive roster with a focus on solidifying their playoff presence. While specific recent injuries or roster changes are not detailed in the latest sources, the franchise’s trajectory suggests continued investment in both veteran leadership and young talent to sustain growth. Their coaching and management appear oriented toward a balanced, disciplined style of play that leverages strong goaltending and depth scoring.

From a betting market perspective, the Seattle Kraken have shown resilience as an underdog, particularly in playoff scenarios, evidenced by their historic upset over Colorado. They tend to perform well at home in Climate Pledge Arena, which offers a strong home-ice advantage, and exhibit competitive play in divisional matchups against Pacific Division rivals including the Vancouver Canucks. Bettors should note that as a relatively young team, the Kraken can be volatile but often deliver strong performances in primetime and high-stakes games, making them an intriguing pick against the spread when underestimated.

Looking ahead, the Seattle Kraken are positioned as an emerging contender rather than a rebuilding team. Their realistic expectation for the 2025-26 season and beyond is to remain playoff contenders with the potential to advance deeper into the postseason. Continued development of young stars like Beniers, complemented by savvy acquisitions and a stable coaching strategy, points to a franchise steadily building toward long-term success in the NHL.